High mass-specific reactivity of a defect-enriched Ru electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution in harsh alkaline and acidic media

A reasonable design strategy to improve the utilization of noble metal electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial simplify process flow and accelerate future renewable energy economy. Here, abundant defects were created on 2.4-nm Ru nanoparticles achieve unprecedently high mass-specific reactivity in harsh acidic alkaline electrolytes. The obtained defect-enriched (DR-Ru) exhibits an ultrahigh HER turnover frequency 16.4 s−1 with a 100-mV overpotential media, it also retains excellent value 20.6 media; these results are superior those reported other catalysts. Accordingly, record-low loading 2.5 µg cm−2 DR-Ru catalysts low overpotentials 28.2 25.1 mV at 10 mA can be realized respectively. Furthermore, less coordinated surface sites partial lattice oxygen introduction weaken bonding between H catalysts, facilitate fast kinetics help dissociate water molecule overcome major challenge electrolytes, leading activity comparable that under conditions. This result provides guideline defect engineering nanocatalysts effectively optimize reactivities.